By Art Alliance of Idyllwild
Contributed

The Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI) extends two invitations to spread holiday cheer. On Saturday, Nov. 28, AAI is setting up a Holiday Gift Faire from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event will be held at 26600 Highway 243 (next to Mile High Café).

You will be able to find original art including jewelry, ceramics, handmade greeting cards, a selection of handcrafted scarves, paintings, furniture, sculptures and more. These unique items are created by award-winning local artists.

Artists will be on-site to explain their materials and techniques and dazzle you with their talent. This one-of-a-kind art may bring a smile to your family and friends when you present them with these special gifts.

This is an outdoor art fair where the safety of the community is at heart. Masks and social distancing are required. Given the time of year, please dress warmly. In the event of poor weather, the Holiday Gift Faire will be rescheduled to Saturday, Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This is an opportunity for both artists and those looking for unique holiday gifts to make 2020 a little more special than it has been,” said Rob Padilla, one of the event co-chairs.

Cyn Grady, the other co-chair, believes “life is always more beautiful because of art.”

The Christmas Gift Giveaway is the second event designed to foster creativity and fun for local students.

On Friday, Dec. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m., AAI is setting up tables in front of the Idyllwild Post Office. Parents are invited to choose one to two art kits to give their children as Christmas gifts (or whatever occasion they decide).

There will be three tables set up — one for children ages 3 and up, one table for children 7 and up and one table for those 11 and up — with age appropriate gifts at each table.

With the help of two grants — Inland Empire Community Foundation nonprofit grant and a grant from the Ruth & Joseph C Reed Foundation — AAI has spent well over $1,000 to bring some holiday cheer and inspiration to local students.

These kits offer children and parents hours of fun. Gift wrapping will be available.